Almanac

News - February 1, 2012

Briefs: Kepler's discloses more details about transition

The transition team taking Kepler's Books into a new phase of life revealed a few more details about upcoming changes.

Team leader Praveen Madan, a partner of Booksmith in San Francisco and Berkeley Arts and Letters, confirmed that the new structure consists of a for-profit, community-owned-and-operated bookstore alongside a nonprofit organization offering author appearances, lectures, educational workshops and other events.

Mr. Madan told the Almanac that the team also wants to explore venturing into the self-publishing realm by offering support services for writers. Other innovations being considered include on-demand publishing and e-book friendly browsing.

"The traditional model of retail bookselling appears headed for extinction," said Mr. Madan in a press release. "Now, more than ever, communities need accessible physical spaces where people come together to share their love of stories, ideas and culture.

Kepler's 2020 is a strategic move to reposition a strong community bookstore to embrace industry trends and new technologies, instead of resisting them. Our goal is to make Kepler's the prototype community bookstore of the future."

The next step is launching a fundraising campaign for the nonprofit entity. The existing Literary Circle Membership program will continue, with a new drive starting in February to raise $100,000 for ongoing bookstore operations.

Menlo studies Facebook report

The Menlo Park City Council meets on Tuesday, Jan. 31, to study the draft environmental impact report (DEIR) for Facebook's planned campus expansion.

The company has asked the city to let it bring 9,400 employees to work in Menlo Park in exchange for implementing caps on the number of vehicle trips.

The public comment period for the DEIR ended Monday, Jan. 30.

The potential traffic and housing demand generated by the influx of new hires dominated discussion of the project, as well as what public benefits or in-lieu fees the council should seek since Facebook is not expected to generate sales tax revenue for the city.

The study session starts at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at the Civic Center at 701 Laurel St.

Solar workshop

Looking to get into hot water? Craig Rush of Horizon Energy Systems will give a free presentation on solar power for the home on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Contact Mr. Rush at Craig@gosolarnow.com or call 245-0892 for more information. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce at 1100 Merrill St.